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A plan by the Boy Scouts of America to lift its ban on gay Scouts but continue to bar gay
leaders drew criticism yesterday from groups and parents on both sides of the issue.

Some said the much-anticipated policy resolution, to be voted on next month by the organization’s
National Council, is baffling in its attempt to put age limits on gay acceptance.

The plan would change membership standards for youths but not adults.

“Under this policy, every gay Scout will eventually be kicked out — it’s only a question of
when,” said Mark Noel, a co-founder of the Inclusive Scouting Network.

“Allowing a 16-year-old to stay and complete his Eagle is a step forward, but why would he stay
when the same policy will kick him out as soon as he turns 18?” he asked. “The message here is that
LGBT people still aren’t welcome in the (Boy Scouts) and have no future in Scouting.”

A group that wants the Scouts to keep its current ban on all gay members and leaders said the
proposed policy is a “cleverly worded” attempt to dodge criticism from gay-rights groups.

John Stemberger, founder of the OnMyHonor.Net coalition, said the council’s voting delegates
should reject the resolution and keep the traditional membership standards. “This is awful,”
Stemberger said. “They’re forcing a policy on everyone.”

The proposed resolution states that, “No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of
America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.”

But it also says that the organization “will maintain the current membership policy for all
adult leaders.”

Both the Inclusive Scouting Network and Scouts for Equality say they will urge passage when
Scout delegates gather in Texas for the national meeting the week of May 20. Although the groups
want Scouting open to all, they called the proposed change an important step.“

For families like mine, the BSA’s ban on gay leaders will continue to prevent many great and
loving parents from sharing the joys of Scouting with their children,” said Zach Wahls, an Eagle
Scout and the founder of Scouts for Equality. “But today, this is about the kids, and we are glad
that the Boy Scouts of America is taking this historic step forward.”

The issue of whether the Scouts would stick to its longstanding standards or abandon rules that
many find discriminatory has been controversial for years, and heated in recent months.

Thousands of people signed petitions on behalf of Jennifer Tyrrell, an eastern Ohio den leader
who was dismissed last year because she’s a lesbian.

Many observers thought the organization might seek a compromise by allowing local groups to set
their own membership standards. A majority of Scout troops nationwide are sponsored by religious
groups, including the Mormon and Roman Catholic churches.

Sean McGovern, a North Side parent of a Scout and a supporter of Scouts for Equality, said the
proposed policy is hurtful.

“It’s so wrong and contrary to the tenet of every faith tradition,” he said. “This is going to
set up a situation where someone is deemed adequate and worthy one day, and then they’re out on
their can.”

Tyrrell is disappointed but not daunted. “We’ll continue our work until all families can
participate fully. It’s great that they’re willing to allow children. At the same time, they’re
telling a lot of children that their parents aren’t good enough.”